Author Archives: John S

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About John S

I'm blogging about the things I love: music, sport, culture, London, with some photos to illustrate aspects of our wonderful city. I’ve written a novel called “The Decision”, a futuristic political thriller, and first of a trilogy. I’m also the author of a book on music since the 1970s called “ I Was There - A Musical Journey” and a volume of poetry about youth, “Growin’ Up - Snapshots/ Fragments”. All available on Amazon and Kindle.

End of the Road 2019

Posted on September 5, 2019 by John S

A week and a half after the Green Man festival, Jon and I were back on the road, heading for Larmer Tree Gardens in Dorset, for the End of the Road festival. The third leg of our musical festivities this … Continue reading →

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Green Man festival 2019

Posted on August 22, 2019 by John S

Over the last few years the Latitude and End of the Road festivals have become firm fixtures in the summer for me and my friend Jon – and assorted family members and friends. Essential moments in the year. But in … Continue reading →

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Edinburgh Festival 2019

Posted on August 14, 2019 by John S

I’m just back from a few days at the Edinburgh festival. What an amazing event it is – a huge and diverse celebration of the arts. In the five days I was there I could only scratch the surface of … Continue reading →

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Sportsthoughts (165) – Premier League predictions 2019-20

Posted on August 6, 2019 by John S

So it’s time for another round of Premier League predictions. The season kicks off this Friday, with Liverpool v newly-promoted Norwich. On Saturday West Ham have the dubious pleasure of hosting the champions Man City. Well, at least we’ll get … Continue reading →

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“Blinded by the Light” – the film

Posted on August 5, 2019 by John S

“Blinded by the Light” is a film about a British Asian teenager growing up in the 1980s in Luton who discovers the music of Bruce Springsteen. It transforms his life. The film comes out on 9 August here in the … Continue reading →

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Latitude 2019

Posted on July 24, 2019 by John S

Latitude No 8 for me; No 9 for my friend Jon G. We were a smaller group this year, but Jon’s daughter and son, Connie and Louis were with us, along with another friend of mine, Shane, and Jon’s friends … Continue reading →

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Citadel Festival, Gunnersbury Park, 14 July 2019

Posted on July 16, 2019 by John S

This weekend, Gunnersbury Park, a large park close to the A4 and the North Circular as they meet at Chiswick roundabout in West London, played host to the Lovebox and Citadel festivals. Put simply, Lovebox is rap, soul and dance, … Continue reading →

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Kylie at Hampton Court Palace, 21 June 2019

Posted on July 8, 2019 by John S

KYLIE! Our favourite Aussie pop star is back in Europe for a tour, which recently took in the Legends slot at Glastonbury, as British and Irish readers may have seen on the BBC. I still haven’t watched that show on … Continue reading →

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lovelondonscenes 162 – the City in black and white

Posted on June 23, 2019 by John S

A week or so ago I had an afternoon stroll through the City. I got off the tube at Holborn and headed east, down High Holborn, over Holborn Viaduct, along Newgate Street and Cheapside eventually to Leadenhall Street, where most … Continue reading →

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Billie Marten at Islington Assembly Hall, 13 June 2019

Posted on June 16, 2019 by John S

I first came across Billie Marten last year. I was listening to 6 Music one morning and she was playing a session on Tom Ravenscroft’s programme, when he was covering for Lauren Laverne. I was immediately taken by the mellow … Continue reading →

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